In Memory

Stubby

Stubby was born at a hog farm and faced the same fate that so many other pigs face.

A place called Wynkoop Brewery in Denver bought Cromwell and 11 others for an event they created called “The Running of The Pigs.” This event consisted of running the little piglets through the town and whoever was deemed the winner would be slaughtered and cooked for everyone to eat.

Many people in the community heard about the event and protested it. A sanctuary met with the owner and described how pigs are treated during their short lives on factory farms. The owner was so moved that he let the piglets go to a sanctuary instead.

Stubby takes a bath

Stubby is the longest (but not heaviest!) pig of the herd. He’s very gentle and yet he has a regal quality—maybe it goes with being the biggest pig on the farm. He’s stately in his own way. Stubby has ears that flop down so it’s hard to see into his eyes, until he’s laying down and you can scratch behind his ears. Stubby got an infection in the bone of his front left foot about two years ago and had to have one toe of his two-toe-hoof amputated. He can still walk, but he limps a little. He’s pretty quick on his feet when bread is being served, though, as bread is his favorite. For lesser foods, like lettuce or pig pellets, he’ll often stay in his straw bed and sit up and grunt for someone to bring him his own bowl—it’s breakfast or dinner in bed upon Stubby’s request, suitable for a member of royalty.

UPDATE: In October 2011 Stubby’s advanced age caught up to him, he was having trouble getting up and maintaining his body temperature, and his appetite was very diminished. After consulting our vets we all agreed, at almost 13 years old his quality of life was not good and it was Stubby’s time to go. He will be sorely missed by all his two- and four-legged friends.